Pipe fitting stand

ABSTRACT

A pipe fitting stand for supporting a pipe during a work operation includes a table, and a plurality of legs coupled to the table and movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The pipe fitting stand additionally includes a locking mechanism movable between a first position in which the locking mechanism engages at least one of the plurality of legs, and a second position in which the locking mechanism disengages the at least one of the plurality of legs. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the table in the stowed position in the second position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/080,854, filed on Sep. 21, 2020, and co-pending U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/972,477, filed on Feb. 10, 2020,the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to workpiece supporting stands, and moreparticularly to pipe fitting stands.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pipe fitting stands are generally used to support a pipe during variousoperations such as threading, cutting, welding, etc. Pipe fitting standstypically include a table providing an upwardly directed work surfaceand legs connected to the table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides, in one aspect, a pipe fitting stand forsupporting a pipe during a work operation. The pipe fitting standincludes a table, a plurality of legs coupled to the table and movablebetween a deployed position and a stowed position, and a lockingmechanism movable between a first position in which the lockingmechanism engages at least one of the plurality of legs, and a secondposition in which the locking mechanism disengages the at least one ofthe plurality of legs. The locking mechanism is configured to secure thetable in the stowed position in the second position.

The present invention provides, in another aspect, a pipe fitting standfor supporting a pipe during a work operation. The pipe fitting standincludes a table, a plurality of legs coupled to the table and movablebetween a deployed position and a stowed position, and a turnbuckleassembly movable between a first position in which the turnbuckleassembly engages one of the plurality of legs, and a second position inwhich the turnbuckle assembly disengages the one of the plurality oflegs. When in the first position, the turnbuckle assembly is adjustableto exert a force against the one of the plurality of legs to maintainthe legs in the deployed position and preclude any looseness between thetable and the legs.

The present invention provides, in another aspect, a pipe fitting standfor supporting a pipe during a work operation. The pipe fitting standincludes a table, a plurality of legs coupled to the table and movablebetween a deployed position and a stowed position, and a lockingmechanism movable between a first position in which the lockingmechanism engages the plurality of legs, and a second position in whichthe locking mechanism disengages the plurality of legs. The lockingmechanism includes a first member engagable with a first leg of theplurality of legs and a second member engagable with a second leg of theplurality of legs. The second member is configured to disengage thesecond leg before the first member disengages the first leg in responseto the locking mechanism transitioning from the first position to thesecond position.

The present invention provides, in another aspect, a pipe fitting standfor supporting a pipe during a work operation. The pipe fitting standincludes a table, a plurality of legs coupled to the table and movablebetween a deployed position and a stowed position, a locking mechanismmovable between a first position in which the locking mechanism engagesthe plurality of legs, and a second position in which the lockingmechanism disengages the plurality of legs, and a turnbuckle assemblyengagable with one of the plurality of legs in the deployed position.When in the second position, the locking mechanism is configured tosecure the legs in the stowed position. The turnbuckle assembly isadjustable to exert a force against the one of the plurality of legs tomaintain the legs in the deployed position and preclude any loosenessbetween the table and the legs.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent byconsideration of the following detailed description and accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipe fitting stand in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the pipe fitting stand of FIG. 1 in a deployedstate.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the pipe fitting stand of FIG. 1 in a foldedstate.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a table of the pipe fittingstand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the table of the pipe fitting stand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the table of the pipe fitting stand of FIG.1.

FIG. 7A is an enlarged perspective view of a coupling mechanism for afirst leg of the pipe fitting stand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7B is an enlarged perspective view of a coupling mechanism for asecond leg and a third leg of the pipe fitting stand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of an underside of the table ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a side of the table of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a mount coupled to the first leg ofthe pipe fitting stand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a rubber cap coupled to the first legof the pipe fitting stand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a turnbuckle assembly of the pipefitting stand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a yoke of the turnbuckle assembly ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the pipe fitting stand ofFIG. 1 including a shelf.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the shelf of the pipe fitting stand ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the shelf.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism of the pipe fittingstand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged side view of the pipe fitting stand of FIG. 1 ina deployed state, illustrating the locking mechanism in an unlockedposition and the turnbuckle assembly in a first position.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the pipe fitting stand ofFIG. 1 in the deployed state, illustrating the locking mechanism in theunlocked position and the turnbuckle assembly in a second position.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged side view of the pipe fitting stand of FIG. 1 ina folded state, illustrating the locking mechanism in a locked positionand the turnbuckle assembly in the second position.

FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the pipe fitting stand of FIG. 1in the folded state, illustrating the locking mechanism in the lockedposition and the turnbuckle assembly in the second position.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternative lockingmechanism for the pipe fitting stand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of the pipe fitting stand ofFIG. 1 in a deployed state, illustrating the locking mechanism of FIG.21 in an unlocked position and the turnbuckle assembly in a firstposition.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view of the pipe fitting stand ofFIG. 1 in the deployed state, illustrating the locking mechanism of FIG.21 in the unlocked position and the turnbuckle assembly in a secondposition.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of the pipe fitting stand ofFIG. 1 in a folded state, illustrating the locking mechanism of FIG. 21in a locked position and the turnbuckle assembly in the second position.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of an alternative lockingmechanism for the pipe fitting stand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of another alternative lockingmechanism for the pipe fitting stand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged perspective view of an extensible link that couldalternatively be used instead of the turnbuckle assembly of FIG. 11.

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a pipe fitting stand 10 for supporting a pipe duringa work operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the stand 10 includes atable 14 and three legs 18 a-18 c for supporting the table 14 in anelevated position with respect to a support surface. The stand 10 alsoincludes two links 22 pivotably coupling a first of the legs 18 a,respectively, with the other two legs 18 b, 18 c to coordinate movementof the legs 18 a-18 c as the stand 10 is reconfigured between a deployedstate (shown in FIGS. 1-2) and a folded state (shown in FIG. 3).

With reference to FIG. 1, the table 14 is generally rectangular. Anunderside 26 of the table 14 includes a honeycomb structure (FIG. 6),which reduces the weight and increases the strength of the stand 10. Thetable 14 includes a vise 30 at one end thereof for supporting andclamping a pipe to the table 14 and a support 34 located on a side ofthe table 14 opposite the vice 30 to additionally support the pipe. Thetable 14 includes a supplemental grip 38 (FIG. 4) positioned below thevise 30. The supplemental grip 38 is a rounded piece of die cast moldinga user may grasp during operation. An operating handle 42 extends from afirst side 14 a of the table 14 proximate the leg 18 a. A portion of theoperating handle 42 disposed along a second side 14 b of the table 14adjacent the first side 14 a may be used as a side handle 42 a (FIGS.4-6) for a user to grasp during transport and/or operation of the stand10. A vice handle 74 is additionally positioned on the second side 14 bof the table 14, such that the table 10 may be carried in its foldedstate with the side handle 42 a, locating the vice handle 74 on anopposite side of the folded table 10 as the ground, thereby protectingthe vice handle 74 if the table is dropped. When the stand 10 is in thedeployed state, tools may be stored on the operating handle 42 and/orthe side handle 42 a.

With reference to FIGS. 4-5, the table 14 includes a recessed tray 46positioned adjacent the first side 14 a of the table 14. The recessedtray 46 includes an aperture 50 extending through the table 14. Duringoperation, the tray 46 may hold utensils (e.g., pens, etc.), and liquidmay drain through the aperture 50. The table 14 includes a first slot 54extending through the second side 14 b of the table 14, and a secondslot 58 extending through a third side 14 c of the table, which isopposite the second side 14 b of the table 14. The first and secondslots 54, 58 are shaped and sized to receive a handle of a power tool(e.g., a handsaw, a hammer, etc.). The first and second slots 54, 58each include a lip 62 extending around a periphery of the slots 54, 58.The lips 62 are slanted inwardly and ramp down to be flush with thetable 14, such that the lips 62 contain the power tool handle in theslots 54, 58. Additionally, the table 14 includes a rim 64 extendingaround a perimeter of the table 14. The rim 64 is raised above anuppermost surface of the table 14 such that a user may hang power toolsand other items on the rim 64.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4-5, the vice 30 includes a pair ofjaws 66 for supporting the pipe and a clamp assembly 70 for applying aclamping force to the pipe within the jaws 66. The clamp assembly 70includes a handle 74 and a chain screw assembly 78 secured to each othervia a nut 82. The chain screw assembly includes a pin (not shown) and ascrew (not shown). The clamp assembly 70 includes dual thrust washers86, which decrease wear of the clamp assembly 70 and the table 14, whichis induced by the axial rotation of the nut 82. The handle 74 is seatedwithin slots (not shown) oriented on opposite sides of the nut 82. Theclamp assembly 70 also includes a chain (not shown) having a first endconnected with the screw, and an opposite, free end. The chain screw 78is oriented along an axis A that is oriented at an angle (e.g., 40degrees) with an edge of the table 14. In some embodiments, the axis Ais parallel with the edge of the table and on the same plane as thetable 14. The second side 14 b of the table includes a cut-out 90 (FIGS.4-6) partially extending into the third side 14 c of the table 14 inorder to allow the handle 74 to rotate without interfering with thetable 14.

During use, a user may place the pipe on the jaws 66 and support 34 andwrap the chain around the pipe. To secure the chain, the free end of thechain is temporarily latched to the table 14 on an opposite side as theclamp assembly 70. The user then rotates the handle 74, thereby turningthe nut 82 and translating the chain screw 78 away from the jaws 66,tensioning the chain and tightening it around the pipe.

With reference to FIG. 4, the jaws 66 of the vise 30 includes a firstside 66 a composed of a metal serrated edge, and a second side (notshown) integrated with a softer, rubber (e.g., neoprene) coating. Thefirst side 66 a of the jaws 66 further includes a plurality of teeth148, such that the teeth 148 are spaced at a variable pitch from eachother. The tooth pitch varies from the inside of the jaws 66 to theoutside of the jaws 66. More specifically, the tooth pitch graduallyincreases from the inside to the outside. In the illustratedembodiments, the jaws 66 are secured to the vice 30 via fasteners (e.g.,bolts). In alternative embodiments, the jaws 66 are loosely positionedwithin the vice 30. More specifically, the jaws 66 are adjustablerelative to the table 14 such that a user selectively repositions thejaws 66 with either the first side 66 a or the second side (with therubber coating) facing upwards to receive the pipe.

Each of the legs 18 a-18 c is separately pivotably coupled to the table14. However, as mentioned above, the links 22 interconnect the legs 18a, 18 b and the legs 18 a, 18 c, respectively, such that pivotingmovement of the leg 18 a relative to the table 14 causes the other legs18 b, 18 c to also pivot relative to the table 14. With reference toFIGS. 8-9, a distal end 94 of the second leg 18 b and a distal end 96 ofthe third leg 18 c are positioned within brackets 98 formed on theunderside 26 of the table 14. Each of the brackets 98 includes a first,angled wall 102, and a second, vertical wall 106, opposing the firstwall 102. A fastener 110 extends through the bracket 98 and the distalends 94, 96 of the second and third legs 18 b, 18 c, coupling the legs18 b, 18 c to the table 14. A spacer 114 is seated on the fastener 110,between the distal end 94, 96 of each of the legs 18 b, 18 c and thevertical wall 106, thereby urging the legs 18 b, 18 c toward the angledwall 102. Stops 118 are coupled (e.g., welded) to the distal ends 94, 96of the legs 18 b, 18 c. The distal end 94, 96 of each of the legs 18 b,18 c include one stop 118 positioned on opposing sides of the legs 18 b,18 c, such that the stops 118 engage the bracket 98 when the table 14 isdeployed. Engagement of the stops 118 against the table 14 precludes oreliminates any looseness between the legs 18 b, 18 c and the table 14,and prevents motion of the legs 18 b, 18 c past the deployed position.

With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the links 22 are coupled to the firstleg 18 a via a first coupling mechanism 122 and to the second and thirdlegs 18 b, 18 c via a second coupling mechanism 124. The first couplingmechanism 122 includes a rod (e.g., a bolt, not shown) extending throughthe leg 18 a, and ball joints 130 on opposite ends of the rod. A firstend 22 a of the leg links 22 include a first coupler 134, which coupleto the ball joints 130, allowing the leg links 22 a large range ofmotion. Spacers 138 are positioned on either side of each of the balljoints 130 in order to provide maximum motion for first coupler 134, andthereby the leg links 22. Similarly, the second coupling mechanism 124includes a rod 128 extending through the legs 18 b, 18 c, and a balljoint 132 positioned on one end of the rod 128. A second end 22 b ofeach of the leg links 22 includes a second coupler 136, which couples tothe ball joint 132. Spacers 140 are positioned on either side of theball joint 132.

The second and third legs 18 b, 18 c each include a pad 142 (FIGS. 1-3)engageable with the ground. The pads 142 are composed of a rubbermaterial and are secured to an underside of the legs 18 b, 18 c via afastener (e.g., a screw and a lock washer). The first leg 18 a includesa mount, or T-bar leg, 146 engageable with the ground. In theillustrated embodiment, the mount 146 is a pipe welded to the leg 18 aand substantially perpendicular to the leg 18 a. The mount 146 includesrubber caps 150 (FIG. 1) positioned on distal ends of the pipe. Withreference to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the mount 146 includes cylindricalapertures 154 extending therethrough. The apertures 154 are shaped andsized to receive corresponding detents 158 positioned on an innersurface of the rubber caps 150. When the rubber caps 150 are positionedon the mount 146, the detents 158 engage the apertures 154, therebysecuring the rubber caps 150 to the mount 146. To remove the rubber caps150 from the mount 146, the user depresses the detents 158 into theapertures 154, and then slides the rubber caps 150 off of the mount 146.Once the caps 150 are removed, the user may anchor the stand 10 to awork surface.

When deploying the stand 10, the operator can balance the stand 10 inthe deployed state on the mount 146. Additionally, the user may depressa top surface 146 a of the mount 146 with his/her foot in order tomaintain a bottom surface 146 b of the mount in contact with the ground.Specifically, while maintaining pressure on the mount 146, the user maysteadily pivot the stand 10 toward the deployed state. The rubber caps150 and the pads 142 maintain contact with the ground for accurate andsafe deployment of the stand. In alternative embodiments, the mount 146may include different shapes and sizes.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the leg 18 a is substantiallyadjustable. The leg 18 a includes a first, top portion 162 and a second,bottom portion 166. The first portion 162 includes a first end 162 aattached to the table 14, and a second end 162 b, which is threaded. Thesecond portion 166 includes a first end 166 a attached to the mount 146,and a second end 166 b rotationally coupled and axially fixed to a jackhandle 170. Specifically, the jack handle 170 includes a threadedaperture configured to threadably receive the second end 162 b of thetop portion 162 of the leg 18 a.

During operation, a user adjusts the length of the adjustable leg 18 ain order to change the level of the table, and therefore the stand 10.More specifically, when the user rotates the jack handle 170, the secondportion 166 of the leg 18 a translates with respect to the first portion162 of the leg 18 a, thereby increasing or decreasing the length of theleg 18 a.

The stand 10 also includes a turnbuckle assembly 174 extending betweenthe table 14 and the leg 18 a for selectively preloading the leg 18 aagainst the table 14, thereby precluding or eliminating any loosenessbetween the table 14 and the legs 18 a-18 c. The turnbuckle assembly 174includes a first threaded rod 178, a second threaded rod 182, and aspreader 186 threadably coupled to the first and second threaded rods178, 182 (FIG. 11). The first and second threaded rods 178, 182 includetrapezoidal threads. The trapezoidal threads increase a pitch of thethreads, thereby allowing for increased lateral movement and lessrotation of the rods 178, 182. The spreader 186 is manipulated by theuser to selectively tighten or loosen the turnbuckle assembly 174,thereby increasing or decreasing, respectively, the effective length ofthe turnbuckle assembly 174. With reference to FIG. 11, a first slot 190and a second slot 194 extend through the spreader 186 adjacent the firstthreaded rod 178 and the second threaded rod 182, respectively. Theslots 190, 194 allow for the distal ends of the first and second rods178, 182 to be accessed and staked, thereby preventing the rods 178, 182from being removed from the spreader 186. As shown in FIG. 11, theturnbuckle assembly 174 also includes a cylindrical bushing 180pivotably coupling the threaded rod 178 to the underside of the table14, a biasing member 182 (e.g., a double torsion spring, FIGS. 17 and19) coupled to the bushing, and a U-shaped yoke 198 at the distal end ofthe threaded rod 182. Distal ends 202 of the yoke 198 include asemi-circular groove 206 and an elongate flat 210 (FIG. 12). Thesemi-circular groove 206 engages a first pin 212 extending through thefirst leg 18 a. The elongate flat 210 provides a “catch” against thefirst pin 212 as the user loosens or tightens the turnbuckle assembly174. The biasing member 182 biases the yoke 198 away from the first pin212 when the yoke 198 is disengaged from the first pin 212.Specifically, once the turnbuckle assembly 174 is loosened such that theflat 210 disengages the first pin 212, the turnbuckle assembly 174pivots in a counterclockwise direction. In some embodiments (FIGS.22-24), the distal end of the threaded rod 182 includes apartial-cylindrical bushing 214, rather than the yoke 198.

For additional storage, the stand 10 also includes a shelf 218 (FIGS.13-14) positioned beneath the table 14. The shelf 218 is generallytriangular and includes hook portions 222 positioned at each corner ofthe shelf 218. The shelf 218 is removably coupled to the legs 18 a-18 c.More specifically, the shelf 218 is mounted to the legs 18 a-18 c viagravity and self-locks at a certain point. During assembly of the stand10, the user positions the shelf 218 directly under the table 14. Uponreleasing the shelf 218, it will slide downwardly along the legs 18 a-18c. Depending on how far the legs 18 a-18 c are splayed, the shelf 218will be unable to continue sliding past a certain point and willself-lock relative to the legs 18 a-18 c.

With continued reference to FIGS. 13-14, the hook portions 222 arepivotable relative to the shelf 218. Each of the hook portions 222includes a straight portion 226, which pivots relative to the corners ofthe shelf 218, thereby allowing the hook portions 222 to pivot out ofthe way (e.g., inwardly) during transport or storage, preventing damageto the hook portions 222. Edges 230 of the shelf 218 are raised relativeto an inner periphery 234 of the shelf 218 to prevent the user frominjuring their shins in the event they bump into the shelf 218. Theraised edges 230 have gaps 232 adjacent the corners of the shelf 218 tofacilitate the drainage of fluid off the shelf 218. The shelf 218further includes an aperture 238 extending therethrough. In someembodiments, the raised edges 230 do not include the gaps 232. Rather,the shelf 218 includes barrels welded onto corners of the shelf 218. Thehook portions 222 may pivot into the barrels for transport or storage,thereby preventing damage to the hook portions 222. During operation,the shelf 218 may hold utensils and/or tools, and liquid may drainthrough the aperture 238. With reference to FIG. 15, in someembodiments, the hook portions 222 are cutouts and are integrally formedwith the shelf 218 and are stationary (e.g., not pivotable).

In order to remove the shelf 218 from the stand 10, the user lifts theshelf 218 relative to the table 14 and rotates the shelf 218 in aclockwise direction. Upon rotating the shelf 218, the hook portions 222disengage the legs 18 a-18 c and the shelf 218 may be removed from thestand 10.

With reference to FIG. 16, the stand 10 also includes a lockingmechanism 242 extending between the table 14 and the leg 18 a forselectively locking the leg 18 a into the folded position (shown in FIG.3). Because the other legs 18 b, 18 c are connected to the adjustableleg 18 a via the links 22, the legs 18 a-18 c are simultaneously movedinto the deployed position, and locked in the deployed position via theengagement between the adjustable leg 18 a and the turnbuckle assembly174. Additionally, the legs 18 a-18 c are simultaneously moved into thefolded position and locked in the folded position via engagement betweenthe legs 18 a-18 c and the locking mechanism 242.

The locking mechanism 242 includes a first locking member 246, a secondlocking member 250, and a third locking member 254. The second and thirdlocking members 250, 254 are positioned on opposite sides of the firstlocking member 246. The second and third locking members 250, 254 arecoupled to the first locking member 246. The first locking member 246selectively engages the adjustable leg 18 a, and the second and thirdlocking members 250, 254 selectively engage the second and third legs 18b, 18 c, respectively.

The first locking member 246 is a single, unitary piece including alatch handle 258 and a pair of hooks 262. Similarly, the second andthird locking members 250, 254 are unitary members including a singlehook 266. When the stand 10 is in the folded state, the hooks 262 of thefirst locking member 246 engage a second pin 268 extending through thefirst leg 18 a, and the hooks 266 of the second and third lockingmembers 250, 254 engage pins 270 extending through the second and thirdlegs 18 b, 18 c. An elongate rod 274 extends between the second lockingmember 250 and the third locking member 254, causing the second andthird locking members 250, 254 to unlock in unison. The first lockingmember 246 is positioned between opposing walls 278 of the support 34.Specifically, the walls 278 extend past the latch handle 258, therebyprotecting the latch handle 258 from damage.

The latch handle 258 may be manipulated by the user to alternately movethe locking mechanism 242 between a first (i.e., locked) position and asecond (i.e., released) position. The locking mechanism 242 includes afirst biasing member (e.g., a torsion spring) 282 positioned adjacent tothe latch handle 258 (e.g., along a biasing axis offset and parallel toa rotational axis of the locking mechanism 242), and a second biasingmember (e.g., a torsion spring) 286 positioned along the biasing axisadjacent to the first torsion spring 282. The first and second torsionsprings 282, 286 bias the first locking member 246 to the lockedposition, such that the first torsion spring 282 biases one of the hooks266, and the second torsion spring 286 biases the other of the hooks266. The locking mechanism 242 is pivotable about a pivot axis (notshown) coaxial with the biasing axis and parallel with the table 14. Thelocking mechanism 242 is pivotable in a first direction (e.g.,counterclockwise from the frame of reference of FIGS. 17-19) toward thelocked position, and in a second direction (e.g., clockwise from theframe of reference of FIGS. 17-19) toward the unlocked position.

With continued reference to FIG. 16, the first locking member 246 isengageable with the second pin 268 of the adjustable leg 18 a, and thesecond and third locking members 250, 254 are engageable with the pins270 extending through the legs 18 b, 18 c. In the unlocked position ofthe locking mechanism 242, the hooks 262 of the first locking member 246are disengaged from the second pin 268 of the adjustable leg 18 a, andthe hooks 266 of the second and third locking members 250, 254 aredisengaged with the pins 270 of the legs 18 b, 18 c, decoupling thefirst leg 18 a and the first locking member 246, and the second andthird legs 18 b, 18 c and the second and third locking members 250, 254.When the locking mechanism 242 is disengaged from the legs 18 a-18 c andthe stand 10 is deployed (as will be described in more detail below),the turnbuckle 174 may pivot downward to engage the first pin 212extending through the adjustable leg 18 a.

To fold the stand 10 from the deployed state (FIGS. 1-2 and 17) to afolded state (FIGS. 3, 19, and 20), a user first rotates the spreader186 to shorten the effective length of the turnbuckle assembly 174,which releases the preload between the table 14 and the legs 18 a-18 c.Once the turnbuckle assembly 174 is shortened to an effective lengthwhere the yoke 198 can clear the first pin 212, the turnbuckle assembly174 can freely pivot toward the table 14, from the orientation shown inFIG. 17 to the orientation shown in FIG. 18. Then, while maintainingpressure on the mount 146 in order to keep the bottom surface 146 b ofthe mount 146 in contact with the ground, the user grasps the operatinghandle 42 to lift the first side 14 a of the table 14, subsequentlycausing the table 14 to pivot relative to the leg 18 a.

At the same time, the remaining legs 18 b, 18 c are lifted from theground and are pivoted relative to the table 14 by the links 22. Duringsuch movement, the user grasps the supplemental handle 38 with one handwhile maintaining the grasp of the operating handle 42 with their otherhand to pivot the table 14. Once the table 14 is generally perpendicularto the work surface, the biasing members 282, 286 bias the lockingmembers 246, 250, 254 to pivot in the first direction. Pivotal movementof the locking members 246, 250, 254 translates to pivotal movement ofthe hooks 262, 266. The hooks 262 of the first locking member 246automatically engage the second pin 268, placing the first lockingmember 246 in the locked position. The user then manually engages thehooks 266 of the second and third locking members 250, 254 intoengagement with the pins 270 of the legs 18 b, 18 c, such that thesecond and third locking members 250, 254 are engaged with the pins 270independently. While one of the second and third locking members (e.g.,the second locking member 250) is being engaged with the pin 270 via theuser, the biasing member 286 of the other of the second and thirdlocking member (e.g., the third locking member 254) exerts a biasingforce onto the first locking member 246, maintaining the first lockingmember 246 in the locked position. Once the second locking member 250 issecured to the pin 270, the biasing member 282 exerts a biasing forceonto the first locking member 246, maintaining the first locking member246 into the locked position. The user may then manually move the thirdlocking member 254 into engagement with the pin 270, thereby placing thethird locking member 254 in the locked position.

In the event that the hooks 262 of the first locking member 246 does notfully engage the second pin 268, the user may grasp the latch handle 258and pivot the handle 258 in the second direction, thereby securing thehooks 262 to the second pin 268. When the stand 10 is in the fullyfolded state shown in FIG. 19, the legs 18 b, 18 c are positioned sideby side with the leg 18 a between the other two legs 18 b, 18 c. Theturnbuckle assembly 174 is positioned between the operating handle 42and the leg 18 a and is oriented parallel with the table 14. The usercan then easily store and transport the stand 10.

To adjust the stand 10 from the folded state to the deployed state, theuser grasps the latch handle 258 of the locking mechanism 242 and pivotsthe latch handle 258 in the second direction. Movement of the latchhandle 258 causes the hooks 266 of the second and third locking members250, 254 to first disengage the pins 270 on the second and third legs 18b, 18 c, and then, only after the hooks 266 disengage the pins 270, thehooks 262 of the first locking member 246 disengage the second pin 268on the first leg 18 a, placing the locking mechanism 242 in the unlockedposition. The arrangement of the second and third locking members 250,254 prevents binding of the stand 10 by preventing the adjustable leg 18a from deploying prior to the second and third legs 18 b, 18 c.

While maintaining the latch handle 258 in the unlocked position, theuser engages the mount 146 with one of their feet, and then lifts thatend of the table 14, subsequently causing the legs 18 a-18 c to pivotrelative to the table 14 by the links 22. Once the hooks 262, 266 of thelocking members clear the pins 268, 270 on the legs 18 a-18 c, the usermay reposition their hands to a comfortable position (e.g., grasp thehandle 42). The legs 18 a-18 c continue to pivot until the stops 118 onthe second leg 18 b and the third leg 18 c engage the bracket 98. Asmentioned above, the stops 118 prevent over-rotation past the deployedposition. Once the legs 18 a-18 c are fully extended, the user thenreleases the latch handle 258, causing the torsion springs 282, 286 tobias the locking mechanism 242 to pivot in the first direction.

The turnbuckle assembly 174 is then used to maintain the legs 18 a-18 cin the deployed position. The turnbuckle assembly 174 can be pivotedfrom the orientation shown in FIG. 18 to the orientation shown in FIG.17. The user holds the turnbuckle such that the yoke 198 engages thefirst pin 212 and then rotates the spreader 186 to lengthen theneffective length of the turnbuckle assembly 174. Specifically, thespreader 186 is rotated until the turnbuckle assembly 174 is lengthenedto an effective length where the yoke 198 engages the first pin 212.Once the yoke 198 engages the first pin 212, further rotation of thespreader 186 preloads the leg 18 a, and also the stops 118 on the legs18 a, 18 c against the underside 26 of the table 14, thereby maintainingthe legs 18 a-18 c in the deployed position and precluding oreliminating any looseness between the table 14 and the legs 18 a-18 cthat have developed over the life of the stand 10.

FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative locking mechanism 290 that could beused with the pipe stand 10. The locking mechanism 290 extends betweenthe table 14 and the leg 18 a for selectively locking the legs 18 a-18 cinto the deployed position, or the folded position. Because the otherlegs 18 b, 18 c are connected to the adjustable leg 18 a via the links22, the legs 18 b, 18 c are also locked into a deployed position whenthe leg 18 a is locked into the deployed position by the lockingmechanism 290. The locking mechanism 290 is a single, unitary pieceincluding a latch handle 294 and a pair of hooks 298. The lockingmechanism 290 is positioned between opposing walls 278 of the support34. Specifically, the walls 278 extend past the latch handle 294,thereby protecting the latch handle 294 from damage. The latch handle294 may be manipulated by the user to alternately move the lockingmechanism 290 between a first (i.e., locked) position and a second(i.e., released) position. The locking mechanism 290 additionallyincludes a biasing member (e.g., a torsion spring 302) positionedadjacent to the latch handle 294 (e.g., along a rotational axis of thelocking mechanism 290), such that the torsion spring 302 biases thelocking mechanism 290 to the locked position. Specifically, the lockingmechanism 290 is pivotable about a pivot axis 306 coaxial with thetorsion spring 302 and parallel with the table 14. The locking mechanism290 is pivotable in a first direction A1 (e.g., counterclockwise fromthe frame of reference of FIGS. 22-24) toward the locked position, andin a second direction A2 (e.g., clockwise from the frame of reference ofFIGS. 22-24) toward the unlocked position.

With reference to FIGS. 22-24, the locking mechanism 290 is engageablewith a bracket assembly 310 positioned on the adjustable leg 18 a. Thebracket assembly 310 includes two parallel plates 314 and an aperture318 extending therethrough. The aperture 318 is configured to receive apin (not shown), thereby allowing the hooks 298 of the locking mechanism290 to engage the pin when in the locked position. Alternatively, in theunlocked position of the locking mechanism 290, the hooks 298 aredisengaged from the pin, decoupling the first leg 18 a and the lockingmechanism 290. When the locking mechanism 290 is disengaged from the pinand the stand 10 is deployed, the turnbuckle 174 may pivot downward asshown in the direction of arrow A1.

To fold the stand 10 from the deployed state (FIGS. 1-2 and 22) to thefolded state (FIGS. 3 and 24), a user first releases the turnbuckleassembly 174, as described above. Then, while maintaining pressure onthe mount 146 in order to keep the bottom surface 146 b of the mount 146in contact with the ground, the user grasps the operating handle 42 tolift the first side 14 a of the table 14, subsequently causing the table14 to pivot relative to the leg 18 a. At the same time, the remaininglegs 18 b, 18 c are lifted from the ground and are pivoted relative tothe table 14 by the links 22. During such movement, the user grasps thelatch handle 294 of the locking mechanism 290 and pivots the latchhandle 294 in the second direction (shown by arrows A2 in FIG. 24),thereby placing the locking mechanism 290 in the second or unlockedposition. When the stand 10 is in the fully folded state shown in FIG.24, the legs 18 b, 18 c are positioned side by side with the leg 18 abetween the other two legs 18 b, 18 c. The turnbuckle assembly 174 ispositioned between the operating handle 42 and the leg 18 a and isoriented parallel with the table 14. The user then releases the latchhandle 294 of the locking mechanism 290. The biasing member 302subsequently biases the latch handle 294 to pivot in the firstdirection, opposite arrow A2. Pivotal movement of the latch handle 294translates to pivotal movement of the hooks 298. Therefore, the hooks298 simultaneously pivot in the first direction and into engagement withthe (not shown), thereby securing the legs 18 a-18 c against the table14 in the folded state. The user can then easily store and transport thestand 10.

To adjust the stand 10 from the folded state to the deployed state, theuser grasps the latch handle 294 of the locking mechanism 290 and pivotsthe latch handle 294 in the second direction A2, against the bias of thetorsion spring 302. Movement of the latch handle 294 causes the hooks298 to disengage the pin (not shown) and place the locking mechanism 290in the unlocked position.

While maintaining the latch handle 294 in the unlocked position, theuser engages the mount 146 with one of their feet, and then lifts thatend of the table 14, subsequently causing the legs 18 a-18 c to pivotrelative to the table 14 by the links 22. The legs 18 a-18 c continue topivot until the stops 118 on the second leg 18 b and the third leg 18 cengage the bracket 98. As mentioned above, the stops 118 preventover-rotation past the deployed position. Once the legs 18 a-18 c arefully extended, the user then releases the latch handle 294, causing thetorsion spring 302 to bias the locking mechanism 290 to pivot in thefirst direction (counter-clockwise, in the opposite direction of arrowA2).

The turnbuckle assembly 174 is then used to maintain the legs 18 a-18 cin the deployed position. The turnbuckle assembly 174 can be pivotedfrom the orientation shown in FIG. 23 to the orientation shown in FIG.22. The user holds the turnbuckle 174 such that the partial-cylindricalbushing 214 engages the pin (not shown) and then rotates the spreader186 to lengthen then effective length of the turnbuckle assembly 174.Specifically, the spreader 186 is rotated until the turnbuckle assembly174 is lengthened to an effective length where the partial-cylindricalbushing 214 engages the pin (not shown) of the bracket assembly 310.Once the bushing 214, engages the pin (not shown), further rotation ofthe spreader 186 preloads the leg 18 a, and also the stops 118 on thelegs 18 a, 18 c against the underside of the table 14, therebymaintaining the legs 18 a-18 c in the deployed position.

In some embodiments (FIG. 25), the latch handle 294 of the lockingmechanism 290 may be replaced by a linearly translatable actuator 322.In such instances, the actuator 322 may be depressed by the user to movethe locking mechanism 290 between the first (e.g., locked) position andthe second (e.g., released) position. The locking mechanism 290additionally includes a biasing member (e.g., a spring, not shown)positioned adjacent the actuator 322, such that the spring biases thelocking mechanism 290 to the locked position. In this embodiment, thehooks 298 are oriented in an upward direction, such that the hooks 298are engagable with the pin of the bracket assembly 310 in the lockedposition, and disengage the pin in the unlocked position.

FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative locking mechanism 326 that could beused with the pipe stand 10. The locking mechanism 326 includesspring-biased pin 330 and a handle 334. The pin 330 extends through acorresponding aperture 338 on a side of the table 14 and is engageablewith a bracket assembly 342 fixed to the adjustable leg 18 a.Specifically, the bracket assembly 342 includes a first aperture 346 forsecuring the stand 10 in the deployed state, and a second aperture 350for securing the stand 10 in the folded state. The pin 330 is biased viathe spring into the first aperture 346 or the second aperture 350depending upon the state of the stand 10.

In some embodiments of the pipe stand 10 (FIG. 27), the turnbuckleassembly 174 may be replaced by an extensible link 354 to removelooseness between the table 14 and the legs 18 a-18 c. A mount 358having a slot 362 therein is attached to the table 14. And, theextensible link 354 includes a fixed-length portion 366 having a firstend pivotably coupled to the bracket assembly 310 and an opposite,second end threaded to an adjustable-length portion 370. A knob 374 iscoupled for co-rotation with the adjustable-length portion 370 of theextensible link 354 and is at least partially received within the slot362. During operation, a user rotates the knob 374 in a first direction,which unthreads the adjustable-length portion 370 from the fixed-lengthportion 366, increasing the effective length of the extensible link 354to preload the leg 18 a against the table 14. Alternatively, when theknob 374 is rotated in an opposite, second direction, theadjustable-length portion 370 threads into the fixed-length portion 366,shortening the effective length of the extensible link 354, removing theforce exerted on the table 14. Unlike the location of the spreader 186,the knob 374 is located more closely to the user and thus is more easilyaccessible for grasping for adjustment.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference tocertain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist withinthe scope and the spirit of one or more independent aspects of theinvention as described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pipe fitting stand for supporting a pipe duringa work operation, the pipe fitting stand comprising: a table; aplurality of legs coupled to the table and movable between a deployedposition and a stowed position; and a locking mechanism movable betweena first position in which the locking mechanism engages at least one ofthe plurality of legs, and a second position in which the lockingmechanism disengages the at least one of the plurality of legs; whereinthe locking mechanism is configured to secure the table in the stowedposition in the second position.
 2. The pipe fitting stand of claim 1,wherein the locking mechanism includes a first member engagable with afirst leg of the plurality of legs, and a second member engagable with asecond leg of the plurality of legs.
 3. The pipe fitting stand of claim2, wherein the locking mechanism includes a third member engagable witha third leg of the plurality of legs, wherein the second member and thethird member are configured to disengage the second leg and the thirdleg in unison.
 4. The pipe fitting stand of claim 2, wherein the lockingmember includes a first biasing member configured to bias the firstmember to the first position.
 5. The pipe fitting stand of claim 1,further comprising a turnbuckle assembly movable between a firstposition in which the turnbuckle assembly engages one of the pluralityof legs in the deployed position, and a second position in which theturnbuckle assembly disengages the one of the plurality of legs.
 6. Thepipe fitting stand of claim 5, wherein the turnbuckle assembly isadjustable to exert a force against the one of the plurality of legs tomaintain the legs in the deployed position and preclude any loosenessbetween the table and the legs.
 7. A pipe fitting stand for supporting apipe during a work operation, the pipe fitting stand comprising: atable; a plurality of legs coupled to the table and movable between adeployed position and a stowed position; and a turnbuckle assemblymovable between a first position in which the turnbuckle assemblyengages one of the plurality of legs, and a second position in which theturnbuckle assembly disengages the one of the plurality of legs; whereinwhen in the first position, the turnbuckle assembly is adjustable toexert a force against the one of the plurality of legs to maintain thelegs in the deployed position and preclude any looseness between thetable and the legs.
 8. The pipe fitting stand of claim 7, wherein theturnbuckle assembly includes a first rod, a second rod, and a spreaderthreadably coupled to the first rod and the second rod.
 9. The pipefitting stand of claim 8, wherein rotation of the spreader in a firstdirection increases a length of turnbuckle assembly, thereby increasingthe force exerted against the one of the plurality of legs, and rotationof the spreader in a second direction decreases the length of theturnbuckle assembly, thereby decreasing the force exerted against theone of the plurality of legs.
 10. The pipe fitting stand of claim 8,wherein the turnbuckle assembly includes a bushing configured topivotably couple the first rod to an underside of the table.
 11. Thepipe fitting stand of claim 8, wherein the turnbuckle assembly includesa yoke coupled to the second rod, wherein the yoke is configured toselectively engage the one of the plurality of legs.
 12. The pipefitting stand of claim 11, wherein the yoke includes a groove configuredto engage a pin extending through the one of the plurality of legs. 13.A pipe fitting stand for supporting a pipe during a work operation, thepipe fitting stand comprising: a table; a plurality of legs coupled tothe table and movable between a deployed position and a stowed position;and a locking mechanism movable between a first position in which thelocking mechanism engages the plurality of legs, and a second positionin which the locking mechanism disengages the plurality of legs, whereinthe locking mechanism includes a first member engagable with a first legof the plurality of legs, and a second member engagable with a secondleg of the plurality of legs, and wherein the second member isconfigured to disengage the second leg before the first memberdisengages the first leg in response to the locking mechanismtransitioning from the first position to the second position.
 14. Thepipe stand of claim 13, wherein the locking mechanism includes a thirdmember engagable with a third leg of the plurality of legs, wherein thethird member is configured to disengage the third leg before the firstmember disengages the first leg in response to the locking mechanismtransitioning from the first position to the second position.
 15. Thepipe stand of claim 14, wherein the locking mechanism includes a rodcoupled to the second member and the third member, wherein the rodcauses the second member and the third member to disengage the secondleg and the third leg in unison.
 16. The pipe stand of claim 13, whereinthe first member includes a first hook and the second member includes asecond hook, wherein when the locking mechanism is in the firstposition, the first hook engages a pin positioned on the first leg andthe second hook engages a pin positioned on the second leg.
 17. The pipestand of claim 16, wherein when the locking mechanism moves to thesecond position, the first hook disengages the pin positioned on thefirst leg and the second hook disengages the pin positioned on thesecond leg.
 18. The pipe stand of claim 13, further comprising aturnbuckle assembly movable between an engaged position in which theturnbuckle assembly engages the first leg in the deployed state, and adisengaged position in which the turnbuckle assembly disengages thefirst leg.
 19. The pipe stand of claim 18, wherein the turnbuckleassembly is adjustable to exert a force against the first leg tomaintain the plurality of legs in the deployed position and preclude anylooseness between the table and the plurality of legs.
 20. A pipefitting stand for supporting a pipe during a work operation, the pipefitting stand comprising: a table; a plurality of legs coupled to thetable and movable between a deployed position and a stowed position; alocking mechanism movable between a first position in which the lockingmechanism engages the plurality of legs, and a second position in whichthe locking mechanism disengages the plurality of legs; and a turnbuckleassembly engagable with one of the plurality of legs in the deployedposition, wherein when in the second position, the locking mechanism isconfigured to secure the legs in the stowed position, and wherein theturnbuckle assembly is adjustable to exert a force against the one ofthe plurality of legs to maintain the legs in the deployed position andpreclude any looseness between the table and the legs.